Derek Van Diest, QMI Agency

CALGARY - Edmonton Oilers head coach Dallas Eakins didn’t like the suggestion the Calgary Flames were a harder-working team.

Despite some blowout losses this year, Eakins was adamant his team works just as hard and never gives up.

They then went out an proved they could run in the slop, grinding out a 2-0 win over the Flames Friday at the Scotiabank Saddledome.

Ryan Smyth scored a first-period goal, which stood up to be the winner in the victory, then added an empty-netter. Devan Dubnyk made 27 saves to collect his second shutout of the season and eighth of his career.

The win was the Oilers second straight, having defeated the Winnipeg Jets going into the Christmas break.

With three days off between games and the club having flown into Calgary the morning of the game, it was expected to be a battle of attrition.